New Ford Transit van revealed with new hybrid technology
The iconic Ford Transit van has undergone a facelift, with the new model revealed at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover!
New Ford Transit van
Earlier this year a revised model of the UK's best-selling new van the Ford Transit Custom went on sale, there's also been updated models of the smaller Transit Connect and Transit Courier vans also appearing, it was only a matter of time till the big daddy of Ford vans received a facelift and mid-life update. The IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover was the chosen destination for Ford vans to display the new Ford Transit van which features a new appearance, a host of the latest driving aids and the brand's latest in telematics technology.
Appearance
Unlike the new Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter large vans which have recently joined the market, the new model from Ford vans is a facelift rather than a completely all-new model, however the results are still rather impressive. In terms of appearance, the new Ford Transit van has received a new three-bar grille similar to that found on its little brother the Ford Transit Custom and takes inspiration from the Ford car range. The new van appears more upmarket, whilst top-spec models will also receive chrome trim, LED daytime running lights and xenon headlights.
Enhanced efficiency
The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine under the bonnet of the new van has evolved from the model which was first introduced in 2016 and features better levels of efficiency. There are still 105ps, 130ps and 170ps models available, there is also a new 185ps model joining the range. All models offer stop-start, with efficiency improving further with the addition of electric power steering. All engines in the range are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, whilst a 10-speed automatic transmission will be available on rear-wheel-drive models from 2020.
Mild hybrid technology gets debut
Amongst the host of new innovations used by Ford vans on the new Ford Transit van is a 48-volt micro-hybrid system, the first such system to appear in the large van segment. The system labelled mHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) is designed with the aim of improving fuel economy rather than improving speed, with economy boosted by approximately 3 percent. Throttle response is improved from a standstill however, thanks to the lithium-ion battery pack which stores energy under deceleration that can be used again when accelerating. Around busy urban towns and cities, Ford vans boast that the system can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent.
Improved on board technology
Ford SYNC3 which was optional last year has joined the range, with Ford vans also improving the connectivity of the new van for van fleet operators courtesy of Ford PassConnect. This new system allows van fleet managers to monitor their vans, it also features MyKey which allows them to put restrictions on the van such as setting speed limiters and limiting the volume of the radio.
Electric power steering joining the new van range also gives Ford vans the ability of fitting the latest semi-autonomous safety kit to the new Ford Transit. These features include active park assist and lane keep assist. The Ford Transit van also offers a drive mode selector on the 4x4 Transit van which helps the van perform to its optimum in different driving conditions, with: Eco, Slippery and Mud/Rut modes available as well as Tow/Haul mode for towing heavy trailers. Other tech available includes: Blind sport warning with a trailer setting, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.
Increased payload, lower kerb weight
Another improved feature of the new Ford Transit van is the payload and although there are no official numbers from Ford vans, the new van features: an aluminium bonnet, new steel construction, an exhaust which has been trimmed down and composite materials in place of some steel parts. All of these features mean that there is an overall weight saving on the new van and payload will benefit as a result. There will be panel van, crew cab, tipper and chassis cab models of the new Ford Transit available, with the new van expected to join the UK market midway through 2019!
New Ford vans on finance
Ford vans have dominated the UK new van market for some time, with a new van for everyone's requirements. At Vansdirect we have all of the recently facelifted new Ford vans available including the incredibly popular Ford Transit Custom van! Our Ford vans are available with cheap van finance options including van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase, interested? Simply submit your details online or call us on 0800 169 69 95 to find out more, we are Vansdirect!